This past spring I participated in an online writing contest hosted by Cynthea Liu, called Red Light Green Light. When the light is green, writers can send in the first 125 words of their story. Cynthea gives a tiny critique, and you either pass and continue in the contest or return to the start line. If you pass, you continue sending in next pages until someone wins. If your story doesn't pass, you return to the start line with a new story. It's really fun to play and get some feedback. Well, I happened to be one of the winners for the picture book category. I won a free critique from Cynthea.

Cynthea is amazing! She's represented by Andrea Brown Literary Agency and is the author of the most recent picture book Wooby and Peep, Sterling 2013. She's also written a middle grade novel and young adult book. Her full bio is here.

I had a wonderful 30 minute phone call with her, and she gave me great new advice and suggestions. It was also good to get her multicultural writing advice because Cynthea has written some multicultural books and has experience with editors and marketing. I've already revised my manuscript and can't wait to see what my critique groups say.

So if you want another eye and perspective on your WIP, check out Cynthea's critique service. Her prices are very reasonable, and she's quite knowledgeable of the market.